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Expected to Work/Barriers to Full Employment Policy & Procedures

Published Date: October 02, 2019
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14 Overpayment, Debt and Recovery

INTENT

To minimize the creation of Community and Social Services debts.

To ensure clients receive all the benefits for which they are eligible under the program.

  • To recover benefits to which clients are not entitled, or benefits which are subject to repayment.
  • The amount of the debt does not exceed the amount issued by Community and Social Services.
  • Clients must repay all benefits issued in specific situations where they would not have been entitled to any benefits had the department been aware of their true circumstances.


To maximize the collection of Community and Social Services debt within existing legislation, without creating undue hardship for current and previous clients.

  • Community and Social Services collection activity must be professional, efficient and fair.
  • Debts are collected as quickly as possible with the least administrative costs. The cost of recovering a debt should not exceed the amount of the debt.
  • Ensure procedures for the administration of agreements and orders, and the bankruptcy process are completed in accordance with policy and administrative standards.
  • Whenever possible, negotiation and conciliation are preferable to court action.


To ensure all clients are:

  • Treated equitably.
  • Advised of their right to appeal within 30 days of being notified of an assessed overpayment.
  • Provided adequate opportunity to provide documentation to support their case.
  • Provided with clear information about the reason for their debt, how the debt will be repaid to Community and Social Services.
  • Provided with clear and complete information so that they understand their debt status at all times.


POLICY

The policies and procedures for calculating overpayments apply to all delivery staff regardless of their role.

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Introduction

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Criteria for Exempting the Requirement to Repay an Overpayment

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Authority Level for Exempting Repayment

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Notice of Overpayment

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Overpayments as a Result of Retroactive Payments

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Voluntary Repayment of an Overpayment

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Repayment Agreements

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Recoveries System

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Recovery of Debts

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Client Registered with Maintenance Enforcement Program (MEP)

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Total Ineligibility

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Client Notification and Education

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Underpayments

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Credit Balances

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Write Off and Suspension of Debts

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Caveats, Agreements, Orders and Bankruptcy